Contract Restaurant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

About Company:

Embergrove Hospitality is an independent, nimble, and gritty hospitality management company that proudly oversees 12 distinctive hotel locations, along with several bars and restaurants across the Midwest. Rooted in genuine, from-the-heart hospitality, the Embergrove team blends ingenuity, transparency, and hard work to deliver memorable guest experiences and strong business results.

With deep Midwestern roots and a hands-on approach, Embergrove manages every property with an entrepreneurial spirit—combining creative strategy, disciplined revenue management, and in-house marketing expertise. From boutique hotels to full-service properties, each location reflects Embergrove’s belief that exceptional hospitality starts with authentic people, thoughtful service, and relentless dedication to excellence.

About the Role:

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the restaurant to ensure a high-quality dining experience for all guests. This role involves managing staff, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The manager will drive sales growth by implementing effective marketing strategies and optimizing operational efficiency. The Restaurant Manager also handle customer relations, resolving any issues promptly to maintain a positive reputation. Ultimately, the Restaurant Manager ensures that the establishment operates smoothly, profitably, and in alignment with company standards and goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field is preferred.
• Proven experience as a restaurant manager or in a similar supervisory role within the food service industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and health standards.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software and basic financial management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Certification in food safety or hospitality management (e.g., ServSafe).
• Familiarity with marketing and social media strategies specific to the restaurant industry.
• Multilingual abilities to effectively communicate with a diverse customer base and staff.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate activities of restaurant staff to ensure efficient and courteous service.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and control costs to maximize profitability.
• Develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to attract and retain customers.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations and maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate employees to build a skilled and motivated team.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports, including sales, expenses, and payroll.
• Schedule staff shifts to meet operational needs while controlling labor costs.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor and improve restaurant performance through continuous assessment and adjustment of processes.

Skills:

The Restaurant Manager uses leadership skills daily to inspire and guide the team toward delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities are essential for managing inventory, scheduling, and coordinating various activities simultaneously. Financial acumen is applied to analyze sales data, control costs, and optimize profitability. Communication skills are critical for resolving customer issues, training staff, and collaborating with vendors. Additionally, knowledge of health and safety regulations ensures the restaurant maintains compliance and provides a safe environment for both employees and guests.

We value our team members and offer competitive pay along with benefits for eligible employees, including:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance options

Job Location Position: